🌐 Summary
11 MHz (range 11–12 MHz) is part of Shortwave Broadcasting within the HF spectrum.
Quick summary: 11 MHz is allocated to International Shortwave Broadcasting. Used for international broadcasting.
Primary use: International broadcasting
Common applications: Radio and television broadcasting, public media, commercial stations
Technology:
Quick Facts Broadcasting and fixed services share this tropical band. Named because it propagates well in equatorial regions. Stations in South America, Africa, and Asia use these frequencies for domestic services.
Source: 47 CFR Part 73
📶 Band & Identity
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Frequency (MHz) | 11 |
| Lower Band Edge (MHz) | 11 |
| Upper Band Edge (MHz) | 12 |
| Band Name | Shortwave Broadcasting |
| Spectrum Block | HF |
| Popular Name | Shortwave (25m) |
| Allocation Status | Active |
| Exclusive / Shared | |
| Protected Services | International shortwave broadcasting (ITU allocations) |
| Related Frequencies | 6-16 MHz band |
📜 FCC Rules & Licensing
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Service Type | BROADCASTING / FIXED |
| FCC Secondary Services | See primary allocation |
| FCC Part Number | Part 73 |
| FCC Rule Section | 47 CFR Part 73 (Broadcasting) |
| License Required | Yes |
| License Type | Broadcasting license (not required for listening) |
| License Fee Type | Application fee |
| Annual Regulatory Fee | Yes |
| License Term (Years) | 10 |
| Renewal Expectancy | High |
| Auction History | Not auctioned (comparative licensing) |
| Refarming Status | Stable |
| Geographic Restrictions | Border coordination may apply near Canada/Mexico |
| Quiet Zones | No |
| Coordination Required | Frequency coordination required |
| Warnings / Notices | Unauthorized transmission is illegal and subject to FCC enforcement |
⚙️ RF & Technical
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Technology | |
| Modulation | FM, digital |
| Typical Bandwidth | 12.5 kHz / 25 kHz |
| Transmitter Type | Two-way radio transmitter |
| Receiver Type | Two-way radio receiver |
| Typical Power (W) | 5-100 |
| Maximum Power Limit | Varies by station class (50kW-500kW typical) |
| ERP Limit | Varies (typically 50-500 kW ERP for international broadcasters) |
| Antenna Height Limits | Varies |
| Antenna (Quarter-Wave) | 21.27 ft (648.4 cm) |
| Duplex Mode | Simplex |
| Paired Frequency | Varies by application |
| Channelization | 200 kHz (FM), 6 MHz (TV) |
| Guard Bands (kHz) | Varies |
| Emission Designator | Varies |
| Emission Mask | FCC standards |
| Part 15 Device Limits | Not applicable (licensed spectrum) |
| Spread Spectrum Allowed | No |
| Frequency Hopping Allowed | No |
| Power Control Required | No |
🌤️ Propagation
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Propagation Mode | Skywave (ionospheric) |
| Typical Range (Miles) | 20-60 |
| Day vs Night Differences | Significant (ionospheric changes) |
| Atmospheric Effects | Ionospheric effects |
| Interference Concerns | Standard adjacent channel and co-channel interference |
🛡️ Ecosystem
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Primary Use | International broadcasting |
| Common Applications | Radio and television broadcasting, public media, commercial stations |
| Can You Listen? | Generally legal to listen (content may vary) |
| Encryption Status | Not encrypted (public broadcast) |
| Popular Radio Models | Tecsun PL-880, Tecsun PL-660, Sangean ATS-909X, Sony ICF-SW7600GR, CCrane Skywave SSB, RTL-SDR Blog V3, Airspy HF+ |
| License Holders | |
| Major Operators | |
| Government Use | No |
| Military Use | No |
| Public Safety | No |
| Critical Infrastructure | No |
| Amateur Radio | No |
| ISM Band | No |
| Unlicensed Operation | No |
| Consumer Equipment | No |
| Common Devices | Two-way radios, mobile radios, base stations |
| Receive Only | No |
| Radio Astronomy | No |
| Satellite Downlink | No |
| Passive Service | No |
| Spectrum Occupancy (Estimated) | Varies |
| Urban vs Rural | Urban focused |
| Deployment Density | Medium |
🌎 International
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| ITU Region 2 Allocation | |
| International Harmonization | |
| Cross-Border Coordination | No |
| Year Allocated | |
| Legacy Uses | Historical allocations stable |
| Future Plans | Stable |
🧾 Compliance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| FCC Certification Required | No |
| Equipment Authorization Type | Certification required |
| FCC ID Required | No |
| Compliance Testing | FCC equipment authorization required |